When I wander about the bush I carry a few things with me on a string about my neck. These few items will ensure that, should I get turned around, I can survive, if not enjoy the time until recovery.
I got this idea from Ray Mears. On his lanyard he carries four items: flashlight, ferrocerium rod and striker, compass, and a whistle. To these items I’ve added a very small Swiss Army knife.
- Flashlights are very helpful when things get dark unexpectedly. I’ve also used mine to look into crevasses in rocks, logs, and trees before inserting my hand—just in case.
- The ferrocerium rod is very handy for starting an emergency fire. This can keep you warm over a cold night and fires can be used to signal anyone who might be searching for you. Be certain to carry a striker. I use a rod because there is nothing to go wrong, but would not fault someone for using a Bic lighter; perhaps with this.
- Over the years I got away from carrying a compass on my wilderness travels—I used trails I followed or passed to guide my travels, or more frequently, I just wandered about, going where I wanted. I have a small brass sundial compass that I used to carry on my 19th century treks but since it was in a bag in my haversack I rarely used it. On Ray’s suggestion, I put one on my lanyard and I’m now using it frequently. It’s so handy being around my neck that I can easily check directions, so I do. Like the majority of humans, I have a stronger pace on one side (my right stride is longer). This pushes my track off to the left when I’m not consciously thinking about tracking straight—and frankly, out in the woods I’d rather think about other things. A compass allows me to mark my direction of travel and then choose a landmark I can walk to. All this does is to keep me going in the same direction. On the rare occasions I carry a map or air photo, it allows me to relate my position to the document—but then I carry a full sized compass (in a bag, in my pack).
- The whistle is carried to signal others in my party. The whistle allows them to be heard over quite long distances. The sound it makes can guide folks to the location of the user. Ray gives these three international signals:
- One blast: Where are you?
- Two blasts: Come to me.
- Three blasts: I need help.
- Response: One blast.
- I added a Swiss Army Knife to Ray’s collection just because, well, knives are really handy. I admit that I don’t use the knife blade much, I have other knives on my person. But should my primary blade be lost or left at camp, I have a spare. Oh, and the scissors will open those dratted chip bags very nicely and safely.
You should be able to put one of these together for about $27 without the knife or $42 with it. I’ve included links to example components, but you’ve likely got some of them already.
- Flashlight $7
- Ferrocerium rod and striker $7
- Compass $10
- Whistle $3
- Knife $15
I connected these to a length of paracord with ‘S-Biners’ for secure carry and easy removal. You can get a whole key ring of these for about $8.00 at Kroger, or purchase them individually. I like to use the ones with the locks.
This little collection consists of things that I actually use—and in use is familiarity.